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Author
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Nyamunokora, Solomon
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Title
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An Evaluation of the locally available feed stuffs as an
alternative sources of feeds for indigenous goats’
genotypes in Murehwa district
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Abstract
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The main objective of the research was to evaluate the potential of locally available feed resources as alternative sources of feeds for indigenous goats in Murehwa district. The escalating costs of commercial livestock feeds pose a significant constraint to the profitability and sustainability of smallholder goat farming in Zimbabwe, often leading to reduced herd sizes or farmers exiting the industry. This dissertation, titled "An evaluation of the locally available feed stuffs as alternative sources of feeds for indigenous goats’ genotypes in Murehwa district," aimed to assess the potential of readily accessible local feed resources as cost-effective alternatives for indigenous goat production. Specifically, the study sought to determine the locally available feedstuffs used by smallholder farmers, establish the relative economic costs involved in their preparation, and evaluate their perceived nutritional composition and quality.
Employing a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized a cross-sectional design. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 systematically sampled smallholder goat farmers in Murehwa North Constituency, focusing on their experiences, perceptions, and practices regarding local feed utilization. Quantitative aspects, though primarily perceptual in Chapter 4, are intended to be complemented by laboratory analysis of feed samples, ensuring a
comprehensive evaluation. The findings reveal that smallholder farmers in Murehwa district utilize a diverse range of local feed resources, including natural pastures, crop residues (maize stover, groundnut haulms), indigenous browse plants (Acacia, Combretum, Colophospermum mopane species), household food waste, and increasingly, cultivated legume forages (Stylosanthes, Gliricidia). Economically, these local feedstuffs are significantly more cost-effective than commercial feeds, with the primary cost being labor for collection and preparation. Farmers demonstrate adaptive strategies to manage seasonal variations in feed availability and associated labor, ensuring continuous supply. From a nutritional perspective, farmers consistently perceive browse plants and legume forages as highly beneficial for goat growth, health, and productivity, despite acknowledging potential overall nutritional limitations and variability compared to commercial feeds, as well as the presence of anti-nutritional factors.
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Date
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September 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Indigenous goats
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Costs of commercial livestock feeds
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Genotypes
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Supervisor
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Dr Nyamushamba
